Justin’s Ice Cream back on the River Walk

Justin’s Ice Cream’s original sign now hangs just under the Navarro Street bridge at Crockett.

For all the Rodney Dangerfield-esque blows downtown takes, here’s some news that’s positive in every way, shape and form: Justin’s Ice Cream is back and on the River Walk.

Having been on the River Walk since 1981, the shop was forced out of it’s former location in late 2005. Shortly after, proprietor Justin Arecchi opened a shop on North Main Avenue just north of downtown. Arecchi tried his hand at one of two kiosks at Main Plaza shortly after its rebirth, but said, simply, the location lacked customers.

In late June, Arecchi received a phone call from the new management of Rio Plaza, the River Walk property next to Navarro and Crockett streets, and was offered a little spot next to Rita’s on the River.

“It’s so nice to be down here again,” Arecchi said. “It’s been just a great situation.”

Justin’s opened July Fourth weekend and Arecchi said he already gets more customers in one day than he did in one month at Main Plaza.

Arecchi said the North Main Avenue location will remain open (there’s still 18 months left on the lease), but that he’s prepared to stay on the River Walk permanently.

“I’ll sign a 20-year lease if I can,” he said.

He’s currently serving between 13 and 17 flavors, including Rum Raisin, Chocolate Chip and Pineapple Swirl. While he plans to add an old-fashion soda fountain to the mix, Arecchi said his River Walk location will be just ice cream.